Old Ben Has Timeless Advice

Posted on August 23, 2022 by Chris Bjorklund

For the longest time, my kids have laughed at me for my thrifty habits. For example, I reuse aluminum foil if it’s in good condition, I turn off lights whenever I leave a room and I won’t throw away leftovers. You could say that I’ve always practiced one of Benjamin Franklin’s suggested virtues, frugality, as outlined in his “Plan for Attaining Moral Perfection.” He says frugality means not spending unless it does good for yourself or others, emphasizing that you should waste nothing. Read more

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Posted in: Financial, Consumers, Savvy Tips
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Industry Overview: Moving

Posted on August 09, 2022 by James Florence

In terms of sheer scope, few enterprises are as exhaustive as moving. From the basic tasks of packing and transporting your belongings to more technical aspects like hiring a moving company and getting insurance, there are a lot of bases to cover. To “unpack” some of the complexities involved, we’ve curated the following collection of information, including key terms, helpful tips and answers to frequently asked questions. Read more

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Posted in: Moving, Consumers
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Seven Summer Scams

Posted on July 26, 2022 by Chris Bjorklund

Along with rising temperatures this summer, we’re going to see a rise in seasonal scams. I’ve been getting warnings from consumer protection agencies about what to watch out for, and I want to pass them on to you. You may have heard of some of these rip-offs before, but be aware that new variations always pop up and can catch even the savviest consumers off guard. Read more

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Summer Travel Scam Alert

Posted on July 19, 2022 by Chris Bjorklund

Many of you will be traveling by airplane this summer, and I hope you don’t get into the mess that my friend did. Here’s what happened. Eleanor and her husband booked two roundtrip tickets to Portland at different times, so they each had their own confirmation number. The day before the flight, Eleanor received an email confirming her trip but not her husband’s. Read more

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Posted in: Financial, Seasonal, Bay Area, Consumers, Customer Service, Personal Stories, Savvy Tips
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Auto-Wise: Tips for Making a Smart Vehicle Purchase

Posted on July 07, 2022 by James Florence

Buying a car is a complex enterprise with several aspects to consider—not to mention a lot of pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re looking for something that’s new off the lot or simply new to you, it’s important to exercise caution so you can ensure a wise investment. Read more

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Posted in: Auto Tips, Consumers
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Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Chris Bjorklund

We’re all complaining about problems we’re having in the service sector since the pandemic wreaked havoc on all types of businesses. Have you spent 90 minutes on hold with a utility to clear up an incorrect bill like I have? If you’ve ordered new furniture, you may have been told the wait time is four to six months due to supply chain issues. And if you’ve been out to eat, you’ve probably experienced slower service (due to staffing issues) and higher prices. Read more

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Camp Grandma and Grandpa: Tips for Hosting Your Grandkids This Summer

Posted on June 21, 2022 by Suzanne Carroll

This year, countless children will be spending at least part of their summer at one of their favorite destinations: their grandparents’ house. If you’re planning on welcoming your grandkids this summer, you’re likely thinking about how to fill those special days. Maybe you’re planning beach outings or trips to the museum; maybe you’re also dreading the mess or worried someone might get hurt. Find out how you can get your home and yard ready for those rambunctious kids (and how to get your home back to normal once they’re gone). Read more

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Posted in: Consumers
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